At what age is lead screening recommended for children?

Lead screening is recommended for children at ages 1 to 2 years old because this age range is critical for detecting elevated blood lead levels, which can have significant adverse effects on a child's development and health. Early childhood, particularly during the toddler years, is a period when children are more susceptible to lead exposure due to their increased mobility and tendency to explore their environment, which may contain lead-based materials.

The recommendations from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the importance of screening in this age group to identify potential exposure early and implement interventions to prevent the harmful effects of lead poisoning. This proactive approach aims to safeguard children's neurological development and overall well-being.

While some older children may also be screened for lead exposure, particularly those at high risk, the primary focus remains on the 1 to 2-year age range, which is characterized by rapid growth and development, making timely detection crucial for appropriate management and prevention of long-term consequences.